India have announced a 15-man squad for the first two Tests against England.

Openers Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul have all been sidelined due to injuries.

Rohit Sharma sustained an injury during the 5th ODI against New Zealand and is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks.

Shikhar Dhawan is recovering from a thumb injury while KL Rahul is out owing to a hamstring injury.

Gautam Gambhir has been retained in the squad from the team that played against New Zealand and is expected to open the innings.

Speedster Ishant Sharma is back in the squad after being ill for the New Zealand Tests.

The biggest surprise was the inclusion of Hardik Pandya, who has played just 16 first-class matches. 

This is Pandya’s maiden Test call-up. He had his ODI debut in the New Zealand series.

On this call-up, the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said,

“

Pandya's pace has increased, he is moving the ball, his batsmanship has improved. And he has mellowed down as a person. He is one allrounder we thought is an equally competent bowler and batsman. And a good fielder too.

”

India Test Squad:

Virat Kohli (c), R Ashwin, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, Mohammad Shami, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, Karun Nair, M Vijay, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav

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